Odyssey clean energy drive kicks off

MANHASSET, NY -- An outreach and education event dedicated to promoting the use of alternative transportation technologies kicked off Oct. 18 at White River State Park in Indianapolis, IN.

The Odyssey event is at the heart of more than 160 Odyssey 2012 events scheduled for sites across the United States and in Gothenburg, Sweden and Paris, France.

At Odyssey events, consumers have the opportunity to see vehicle exhibits, ride-and-drives, demonstrations, lectures and classes.

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National AFV Day Odyssey events across the U.S. and Europe are expected to attract more than 250,000 attendees and reach over 100 million consumers through the media.

Odyssey was created in 2002 and is coordinated by the National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium (NAFTC), a program of West Virginia University. Odyssey educates the public on the importance of alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles.

According to the organizers, on April 11, 2002, 20 NAFTC National Training Centers, 19 Clean Cities Coalitions, and 12 other like-minded organizations in 31 states came together at 51 sites nationwide to celebrate the first National AFV Day Odyssey. Each site provided uniquely tailored events to accommodate regional needs.

At the Indianapolis venue the NAFTC and Greater Indiana Clean Cities have partnered with the National Football League team Indianapolis Colts to provide on-site activities and promotional assistance.

American Honda Motor Company and Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. are 2012 national sponsors and longtime supporters of Odyssey, while AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) and West Virginia University are also national partners of the event

Odyssey is comprised of numerous green transportation related events coordinated and hosted by NAFTC members, and U. S. Department of Energy Clean Cities coalitions. The local events take place on a designated date every other year throughout the U.S.